Kathleen Correia recently shared her harrowing experience of coercive control within her marriage with Prime Time. Her ex-husband, Sergio, was sentenced to eight years for raping and controlling her during their marriage. Kathleen opened up about the gradual signs of abuse that emerged after their wedding in 2012.
She described how Sergio manipulated her by threatening that leaving him would harm their children, guilt-tripping her into staying. Despite relocating to Portugal in 2018, their problems worsened upon returning to Ireland, with Sergio concealing a drug addiction and demanding sex five times a week.
Kathleen’s lowest moment came when Sergio anally raped her after a concert, leading her to seek help from the Garda Divisional Protective Services Units. Despite her fears, the DPSUs provided compassionate support, encouraging her to speak out and seek justice.
Ultimately, Kathleen’s message to others facing similar abuse is to confide in a trusted individual and seek help. She emphasized the importance of speaking out and believing in a better future after escaping a toxic relationship. Kathleen’s bravery and resilience serve as a beacon of hope for those in similar situations, showing that there is light after darkness.